FCC McDowell speaks about the switch to digital signals

Anyone with an ordinary analog television will see nothing but salt and pepper come Feb. 17, 2009.
That’s when stations all go digital.
Robert McDowell, one of five Federal Communications Commissioners appointed by the president, spoke Monday night in the UC Theater to explain the change prompted by the Digital Transition Act of 2005.

For those still using analog TVs and antennas to receive their broadcasts, a converter box is required to interpret the digital signal. The box sits between the analog antenna and the TV set, translating the digital signal back to the old analog format. The federal government has set aside $1.5 billion to offer two $40 coupons per household to people with analog TVs to offset the transition costs.
The coupons have a 90-day expiration date, McDowell warned, and must be used right away. Boxes range from $40 to 80 at electronics retailers, depending on how many features they carry. Those who have a paid TV service or a TV with a built-in digital tuner don’t need to worry.
McDowell said digital TV offers two advantages: more efficiency and better quality.
“You can pack a lot more information in a digital signal,” McDowell said. “And consumers are able to get sharper pictures, better sound and multicast channels.”
The leftover spectrum freed up by the digital transition has been auctioned off to various parties, leaving the space open for emergency communications and new technology, such as wireless broadband services.
“Over time, there will be a lot of wireless,” McDowell said.
Many stations have switched to digital signals already, but all are required to switch by the February deadline or face fines. Low-powered TV stations, such as public access broadcasters, will not be required to comply with the digital transition and will still send out analog signals.
Charlie Cannaliato, a consultant engineer for the Montana Broadcasters Association, said that the transition is long overdue.
“Basically, TV hasn’t changed since its inception,” Cannaliato said. “This is going to make all the difference in the world.”
According to Cannaliato, the digital quality will be vastly improved from the analog of old.
“Everybody in western Montana gets a ghost with over-the-air TV,” Cannaliato said. “Digital TV will end that.”
He did warn, however, that some rural Montanans might suffer from the transition. Translators, or signal-boosting towers that extend the reach of analog signals in rural areas, have yet to comply with the digital transition.
“I think in a lot of smaller towns in northeastern and eastern Montana, these people are going to be hurting,” said Cannaliato. “Some of the translators will be going digital before February. It really depends on the translator operators.”
According to Cannaliato, the MBA has been working with translator operators across the state, conducting seminars to assist with the transition. They have also been preparing spots for TV stations to run in order to inform the general public about the transition.
Both McDowell and Cannaliato agreed that the advantages far outweigh the costs.
“Act today,” McDowell said. “Get your converter box today to hook it up to your set to enjoy the benefits of digital TV.”
Apply for converter box coupons at http://www.DTV2009.gov or by calling 1-888-388-2009.
laura.barnes@umontana.edu
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